Tenure to begin August 11
Rust College is pleased to announce Dr. Johnny M. Moore as the 13th president in the institution’s nearly 160-year history.
An Arkansas native, HBCU graduate, and mathematics professor, Dr. Moore has been revered nationally as a leader in higher education for more than 30 years. Prior to his time at ASUN, Dr. Moore held the positions of President and CEO at Pierpoint Community and Technical College in West Virginia (2016 to 2021) and Philander Smith University, a United Methodist Church -affiliated HBCU in Little Rock, Ark. (2012 to 2014).
“It is an honor and privilege to join the Rust College family,” said Dr. Moore. “An HBCU education laid the foundation for my success in life, and I fully embrace this opportunity to contribute to the rich legacy of the state’s first and most historic HBCU. I am looking forward to carrying a vision for growth and impact for the campus and community.”
Prior to joining Rust, Dr. Moore served as the Chancellor of Arkansas State University – Newport (ASUN). a part of a three-campus system. Under his leadership, the university increased enrollment and completion rates, launched its first Honors College and Intercollegiate Athletics programs, and expanded academic offerings in high-demand fields, including Radiologic Technology, Data Science, and Data Analytics. He also secured a record-breaking $5 million federal grant to establish a Health Science Center.
Other accomplishments include the following:
- Previously, as 13th president and CEO of Philander Smith University, he led the development of a strategic plan focusing on enrollment, retention, and financial sustainability. He was inducted into the Philander Smith College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018 as a former student-athlete.
- Previously, as president of Pierpont Community & Technical College, he substantially grew private donations (~300%), increased retention by 15 pts, and decreased student loan defaults.
- Board and advisory roles, including the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Advocacy Advisory Group and Commissions on Student Success and Small and Rural Colleges, and the Tri-State Energy and Advanced Manufacturing (TEAM) Consortium.
Moore was selected out of nearly 200 candidates during a national president’s search. His tenure at Rust will begin on August 11, the first day of classes for the 2025 Fall semester.
“Through our long, distinguished history, Rust College has continued to attract and serve the next generation of Bearcats by combining innovation with beloved, time-honored traditions,” says Board of Trustees Chair Barkese M. Dalton. “Dr. Moore’s respect for our past and vision for our future, along with his wealth of experience, make him uniquely equipped to lead Rust as our 13th president.”
Dr. Moore holds a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Philander Smith College, a Master of Science in mathematics from Arkansas State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in mathematics education from Florida Institute of Technology.
Dr. Moore and his wife, Sequoyah, are the proud parents of Johnathan and Jayna.
We welcome Dr. Moore to Bearcat Nation!
MEDIA INQUIRIES: To schedule an interview with Board of Trustees Chair Barkese M. Dalton or Dr. Johnny M. Moore, contact the Rust College Office of Communications at mlesueur@rustcollege.edu or (662) 662-252-8000, ext. 4915.
